Page 45 of Bela's Bounty
With my hand still gripping Treto’s arm, I sit back in my seat and close my eyes.
This is it.
Something warm brushes the back of my hand, and when I look over, Treto has reached across with his other hand and is sliding his fingers between mine. More tears start to fill my eyes as I grip his hand.
“Thank you,” I say, my voice thick with tears I’m trying desperately not to shed.
“Thank me? For what?” He slowly shakes his head.
“For this. For what you’re doing.” Because he didn’t have to. There were a million points where he could have just walked away. Most people would have, and I don’t think I would have blamed him. Instead we’re sitting in this doomed craft because at least hetriedto rescue us. “I’m really glad I got a chance to meet you.”
“Bela,” my name comes out as a groan, as if speaking it physically pains him, “My Bela.I only wish we’d had more time.”
More tears slide down my cheeks, and I choke back a sob even as I smile at him. Maybe… just maybe, there is something after this life, and we’ll meet again there.
With our hands linked together, we sit staring at each other while we wait for the end to come.
We don’t wait long before our shuttle is rocked by a final jarring explosion.
I squeeze my eyes shut so I don’t have to watch the alien I’ve come to care about die, tightening my fingers around his. Waiting for the inevitable rush of cold. Or should I expect a flash of heat? Maybe all the oxygen will be sucked away, smothering us before the end comes…
This is taking longer than I expected.
Cracking one of my eyes open, I notice Treto’s attention is turned toward the view screen. Slowly, I shift, following his gaze—only to freeze as my mouth drops open.
The ship that was about to deal the killing blow is fully engulfed in colorful flames and falling out of our sight. Not just that, but there is another ship firing at the other ships, strategically taking them down one by one.
Treto’s hand slips from mine, and he slams it down on the control panel. “Sone,you kurver, it took you long enough!”
A maniacal laugh crackles through the speakers. “I told you to wait for me. So this is on you, my friend.”
Treto is grinning from ear to ear when he turns to me. His fingers flick open the buckles on his harness, and then he’s leaning over me, planting his lips on mine. “We’re saved,Sorsa.”
